Articles written by Joanne Smedley

What is Helium

About me - Joanne Smedley

I have recently been described by the local press as a "Not so serious serial killer" which is an odd name for a stay at home mother of 2 until you find out that I write murder mystery games for a living!

I began selling murder mystery games as an author-partner

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Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Relationships: 1 of 195
As I stood there, shivering on his doorstep in nothing but my swimsuit, flippers, snorkel and facemask I began to wonder whether Magnus would ever let me in. I admit, finding me like that was a bit of a shock - but at least I WAS his girlfriend, not some total stranger.I met Magnus during my first year at university, I was st... More..
Hobbies & Games > Board Games Guide to the best board games: 1 of 18
Children of the 80's grew up familiar with board games. After all, the only other option available back then was "pong" or "subbuteo"! These days the cupboards which would have contained many family board games are now over-run with computer games of various shapes and sizes.But is there still a place for the good old family ... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: The Halloween mystery: 4 of 54
Suspects:Tim FinnamoreRobin KarnerAnna NandraColin TemplemanMURDER IN THE DARKAbigail James listened to the uproar going on around her and tucked herself a little neater under the table. It didn't matter that no-one really understood the rules of the game. These days "Murder in the Dark" was just an excuse for the guys to get... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Celebrations & Holidays (Other) Top Fourth of July cocktails: 2 of 25
The Fourth of July celebrations are as much a family affair as Thanksgiving, so why not give your kids a treat and create cocktails that both the children and the adults can enjoy - with the bonus that no-one need be picked up for drunk driving later in the evening!Try these three easy cocktails, or should I say mocktails, fo... More..
Health & Fitness > General Health (Other) Five easy stress reducers: 1 of 11
Stress is part of your in-built fight or flight response to perceived danger. A little stress can be a good thing as it helps you deal with day to day challenges, increases your ability to cope, or improves your performance for certain sports.Problems arise however when stress becomes excessive or prolonged. If stress builds ... More..
Pets & Animals > Dog Training Teaching your dog to come when called: 4 of 42
The "recall" or "come" command is one of the most important commands you will ever teach your dog. It can get the dog out of trouble, out of danger, and most importantly - back to you!How to do it:Start young; the younger the better. If you have bought a puppy, then begin training immediately. Young dogs are eager to please a... More..
Relationships & Family > Dating Psychology Is he a shy guy or is he just not interested?: 5 of 50
Watching body language is the key to resolving whether the guy you are talking to is shy or simply not interested.Research has suggested that over 60% of all communication is non-verbal, so what does your prospective date's body language tell you?EYESFirstly: are they watching you? How much attention are they giving you? Do y... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > After School Good rainy-day activities for children: 1 of 10
Activities for pre-school toddlers on rainy days.A few suggestions for things to occupy your inquisitive child on rainy days that doesn't involve TV! (Though of course some kids will love to go out in the rain too so don't discount that as an option!)FIRSTLY NON MESSY IDEAS:Bead necklacesUse penne pasta or other similar items... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Diapering Inexpensive cloth diapering for babies: 1 of 9
You are thinking of using cloth diapers for your baby? Great. It's environmentally friendly and as a mum there is something really satisfying about washing and dealing with cloth diapers for your baby.So what do you need to do:First decide on the type of cloth diapers you want to buy. Believe it or not there is a HUGE range o... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Gift Advice Gift giving in the UK: How to make chocolate a special gift: 2 of 15
Chocolate is chocolate is chocolate or is it?Consider this: How many people receive chocolate every day as a gift and are disappointed? Answer: Very few, unless they happen to be on a diet.So the question really becomes: how to make your gift of chocolate special?Use these five simple steps:Step One:Everyone has a favourite b... More..